Chennai: Tiruchirappalli police have given actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) permission to hold a weekend campaign at Marakkadai on 13 September, but with a long list of restrictions to ensure order.

What conditions have been imposed?

According to the police, the event, which marks Vijay’s campaign launch ahead of the Assembly election next year, will last only 25 minutes, between 10:35 am and 11 am. Participants are required to reach the venue by 9:35 am due to heavy pedestrian and commercial activity in the area.

Authorities have banned roadshows and receptions along the route. Campaigning has been limited strictly to Tiruchirappalli, and police have stressed: “There should not be any law and order issues during the campaign.”

Sources confirmed that TVK has accepted all the conditions and assured smooth conduct of the event.

The party has been permitted only five vehicles in addition to Vijay’s car. Party workers are not allowed to walk or follow in two-wheelers or four-wheelers, and no vehicle processions will be allowed. The organisers must also manage parking on their own without disturbing public transport. Crackers and loudspeakers have been banned, while pregnant women, children, and the elderly have been told not to attend. Sticks and weapons are barred from the venue.

How many rules were laid down?

Police sources said a total of 23 rules have been put in place including:

  • Ensuring traffic remains smooth
  • Keeping medical and fire services on standby
  • Deploying TVK volunteers alongside police personnel
  • Preventing any damage to government or private property
  • Counting the total number of participants
  • Controlling the volume of speeches
  • Making sure followers gather only at approved sites

Police have also warned that “if any rule is violated, the campaign will be stopped immediately.”

What did the government say?

Responding to Vijay’s allegation that the ruling DMK government had tried to block his campaign, State Municipal Administration Minister K N Nehru told reporters there was no attempt to create obstacles.

“The venue chosen for the campaign causes inconvenience to the public, and hence the police had to permit with restrictions,” he explained.

What is the larger campaign plan?

Vijay has lined up campaign events across Tamil Nadu over the next three months.

September: Trichy, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and North Chennai.

October: Coimbatore, Nilgiri, Tiruppur, Erode, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Ranipet, South Chennai, and Chengalpattu.

November: Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruppattur, Thiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Cuddalore, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram.

December: Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Theni, and Madurai.